What will music lessons do for your child? Since you are taking the time to read this, you are interesting in giving your all the opportunities that you can.

There are many benefits that your child will gain from the study of music. For example:

. Improved study skills
. Communicative skills
. Cognitive skills
. Multi-tasking skills
. Abstract reasoning skills
. Improves math/science learning skills
. Encourages less disruptive behavior
. Develops creativity and cooperation
. Increases self confidence
. Develops perseverance and determination
. Improves dexterity and discipline, responsibility and self esteem
. Develops pattern recognition

Music study also offers other special benefits. Some of these include the benefit of sequential advancement learning. This means that the music students learn early in their training that small victories or advances in ability lead to a sense of accomplishment. They also learn that goals can be achieved by repetition and step-by-step progress.

Memory skills, concentration, and symbol recognition are a few of the mental disciplines included in the music study programs.

Actually, the study of all the arts will promote many of these disciplines - not just music. They engage the imagination, and encourage flexible ways of thinking, and develop disciplined effort.

Talent is probably not just something that we are born with, but also may be attributed to early childhood exposure. And it may have more to do with social acceptance and achievement than with potential.

It has become known that if a child is born with extreme musical potential, that 'talent' will only flourish and not be lost by exposing that child to formal and informal musical experiences.

I recall an especially talented piano teacher that I met a few years ago. When asked how she happened to obtain her musical talent,she quickly explained that her parents were professional musicians and she was exposed to music before and after birth.

That was one of the most powerful statements and attitudes that I had heard.

So, in the long run, we have come to realize that it is the parents who initially expose and encourage the child, so that if there is any talent there, we must develop it.

Play music of all types for your family. Exposure to the music itself and teaching the art of listening, attendance at concerts and finally the selection of a good music teacher are the building blocks of musical training. This same plan holds true for exposure to all the arts.

Music is the one gift that cannot be exchanged or returned.

Connie Steinmann has taught private singing and group piano lessons for 25 years and has written a book, "Do I Have to Practice?", a guide for parents and students between lessons. Website: http://lessontips.com, where the e-book may be purchased and where you can sign up for the free newsletter, "Music Notes".